#626 No Time Bar on Crime: Is Ireland Out of Step?

Today on the podcast, Niall is joined by financial commentator and public policy analyst Karl Deeter to tackle a provocative legal and social question:

Should Ireland introduce a statute of limitations on certain criminal prosecutions — excluding murder and rape?

In Ireland, there is currently no time limit on bringing criminal charges for many offences. This means crimes such as sexual assault against an adult, assault, theft, fraud and trespass can be prosecuted many years — even decades — after the alleged incident. By contrast, only civil cases for compensation are subject to time limits.

In other jurisdictions, including parts of the United States, strict time limits apply to less serious offences, while the most serious crimes like murder and rape remain exempt.

So should Ireland follow suit?

Would a 6-year limit improve fairness, legal certainty and due process — or would it deny justice to victims who come forward late?

Niall and Karl debate the legal, ethical and practical implications — and invite callers to have their say.

👉 Should Ireland introduce time limits on criminal charges for offences other than murder and rape?